NYPD: Robbery Suspect Claims To Be Cop Before Stealing Cell Phones

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police are asking for help identifying a suspect wanted in 5 Bronx robberies.

Authorities said that in each incident, the suspect approaches victims and identifies himself as a police officer before asking for the victims’ cell phone.

The suspect tells the victims to stay put while he goes to check if the phone is stolen, police said. However, the suspect leaves and doesn’t return, according to authorities.

The incidents took place between May 5 and July 2 and the victims ranged in age from 14 to 18.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, between 25 and 30, 5-foot-9 with a heavy build, mole on his left cheek and tattoos on both forearms.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.